This trip we have elected to go on a TripADeal tour entitled "Best of the Baltics & Fjords". After considering various ways of making our way around Scandinavia (Car, train, boat etc), and taking into account the cost of travel and accommodation, we saw this trip and decided on giving it a try ! So the first 20 days will be totally organised for us and largely out of our control, a most unusual travel situation for us. We were able to add an additional 30 days onto the end of the tour when we will be on our own and travelling in a hire car, this time for 2 weeks around Ireland, and 2 weeks around Scotland.
Description of tour from travel brochure.
"Discover summertime in Europe as you tour the Baltics and Scandinavia and cruise the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords. Crossing six incredible countries, explore Norway, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Estonia and Sweden, while soaking up the atmosphere of the brand new MSC ship, ‘MSC
Euribia’.
Your adventure begins with a flight to Helsinki, Finland, the ‘White City of the North’, where a city tour will guide you to distinctive landmarks and the famous Temppeliaukio ‘Church in the Rock’.
Journey to Tallinn, Estonia to stroll through its historic mediaeval Old Town to picturesque squares that lead to the towering spires of Toompea Castle and beyond.
Next, board an overnight ferry to Sweden’s historic port capital, Stockholm. Set across 14 islands, you’ll encounter Stockholm’s rich cultural heritage among the grand architecture of gothic churches and royal palaces.
Travel by rail to the Viking city of Oslo, Norway where you can explore Frogner Park’s famous Gustav Vigeland sculptures, before boarding the overnight ferry to Copenhagen. Nyhavn’s colourful waterfront, the ‘Little Mermaid’ statue and the fairy-tale charm of Tivoli Gardens will delight, as you enjoy a half day city tour around this iconic tourist hotspot.
Embark on a 7-night cruise aboard the brand new ‘MSC Euribia’ to discover Norway’s astonishing beauty. You’ll journey to UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, admire the tumbling icy waterfalls of Sunnylvsfjorden, visit the Art Nouveau port of Ålesund, see timeless villages perched along Sognefjord, explore Flåm’s celebrated beauty and more.
Fill your sea days with fun onboard crafts and activities, take a dip in the pool or relax to live music and world-class entertainment as you cruise towards each exciting destination. Dine on delicious onboard cuisine from tasty breakfasts, sweet treats and home comforts, fine-dining and even late night snacks for the peckish!
Finally, you’ll arrive and disembark in Kiel before transferring to the German port city of Hamburg where you have ample leisure time to discover unique architecture, walk beside historic canals and visit
outstanding museums.
This in-depth experience includes return international flights, 7-night MSC Norwegian Fjords Cruise, 7 nights of 3 & 4-star hotel accommodation, 2 overnight ferry crossings and 28 meals, including all while
cruising while cruising with MSC Cruises - wow!
Want more? Arrive Early in Helsinki, Finland or Stay Behind in Hamburg, Germany."
Following the TripADeal tour, we chose the 30 day stay behind deal when we fly to Ireland for 15 days and then Scotland for 13 days, before returning to Hamburg for our flight how, on October 1st.
At both these destinations we hire a car and self-drive, arriving at prebooked accommodation and tours. Here is our proposed route for each destination.
Test comment section – something I’m trialling to see if it gets attacked by scammers.
Have a great trip, I hope you enjoy the different style from your previous adventures. Might take a little bit of the stress out of it for you. Say Hi to my ancestors in Cork.
What is their address and .. are they good for a meal ?? 🙂
Looking forward to catching up in Scotland if it all works out!
Yes – Time will tell ! We’ll keep in touch as it gets closer.
Off and running with Tania now sporting the Nordic platinum blonde look.